An investigation into the potential of using Architecture to enhance Uganda's hot spring for health tourism: a case study of Kitagata.
Abstract
Uganda has a variety of hot springs which include Kitagata, Sempaya, Ihimba, Buranga, Amaru
and Kanangorok hot springs, of which most of them are found in National parks. Most of these hot
springs have not been optimally utilised for healing and health tourism. It has been Kitagata hot
spring in Sheema district, that has attracted mostly domestic health tourism. At the foot of these
hills is the Kitagata Hot Springs, a popular healing site in Uganda that is turning into a tourist
attraction. Those who have experienced this magnificent work of nature recommend others to visit.
There are two hot springs adjacent to each other. According to the locals, one of the springs is
known as Ekyomugabe, because it was used by only the king (Omugabe) of Ankole. The other,
named after Uganda’s National Referral Hospital Mulago, is used by everyone else and is believed
to have more healing powers.
Hundreds of people go to Kitagata to receive healing from the hot springs. Half-dressed men and women
bathe in the warm waters which they believe possess healing powers. Patients from far and near flock the
springs to soak themselves in while some drink the water, in a bid to seek healing. The evenings at the site
are usually a hub of excitement that one could easily misunderstand it for either a marketplace, a clan
meeting or some sort of celebration, as there is an immense crowd gathered here all the time.
This research sets out to evaluate a clear understanding of the Architecture of Uganda’s hot springs
to attract both domestic and international health tourism. This attempt hopefully results into an
understanding of the way forward to providing information about the architecture of Uganda’s hot
springs to architects and developers intending to revitalise these hot springs